I BELIEVE GOD CONCERNING HOMOSEXUALS AND HOMOSEXUALITY

By Elder Wayne Camp

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 18:16-19:25

TEXT: Deuteronomy 23:17-18 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. 18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.

INTRODUCTION: The sermon I am preaching tonight would normally have fallen later in this series that I have called, I Believe God. There has been so much in the news recently about so-called “homosexual rights” in our country that I have put this message ahead of some others and want to speak to you on the subject I Believe God Concerning Homosexuals And Homosexuality. I considered calling the message I Believe God Concerning Gays and the Gay Lifestyle but, frankly, I do not want to refer to homosexuals as gay people. In fact, some of the most unhappy people I have met in my life are homosexuals. I also considered calling the message I Believe God Concerning Sodomy and Sodomites. That would certainly have been a scriptural title for the message but when I publish this message I do not want any reading it to misunderstand about whom and what I am speaking.

I am a little uncomfortable when I deal with such a subject for I do not want to be crude nor do I want to shock your sensibilities. In the light of all that is being reported in the media and the care that is taken by the liberal media to be sure to not insult homosexuals or make them feel uncomfortable, I think it is good for us to remind ourselves again of what God says about homosexuals and homosexuality.

I.GOD DECLARES IN HIS WORD THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SIN OF THE GREATEST POSSIBLE MAGNITUDE

A.Of the men of Sodom God said their sin was exceedingly awful. Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

1.John Gill describes the sin of these early Sodomites by saying that they were “exceeding great sinners, guilty of the most notorious crimes, and addicted to the most scandalous and unnatural lusts that can be thought of; and these they committed openly and publicly in the sight of God, in the most daring and impudent manner, and in defiance of him, without any fear or shame.

2.John Calvin, commenting on verse thirteen also speaks of the exceeding wickedness of the men of Sodom whose sin is before the Lord. “But it seems wonderful, that Moses, when he wishes to condemn the men of Sodom for their extreme wickedness, should say that they were wicked before the Lord; and not rather before men; for when we come to God’s tribunal, every mouth must be stopped, and all the world must be subject to condemnation; wherefore Moses may be thought to speak thus by way of extenuation. But the case is otherwise: for he means that they were not merely under the dominion of those common vices which everywhere prevail among men, but were abandoned to most execrable crimes, the cry of which rose even to heaven, (as we shall afterwards see,) and demanded vengeance from God.”

B.Israel was forbidden to harbor homosexuals among their population. Deuteronomy 23:17-18 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. 18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

C.The lifestyle of homosexuals is an abomination before God. 1 Kings 14:24 And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

D.Good King Asa did the right thing when he expelled all the homosexuals out of the land of Israel. 1 Kings 15:12 And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.

E.Asa’s son Jehoshaphat also removed some homosexuals out of the land whom Asa had missed. 1 Kings 22:46 And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land.

F.When Josiah became king, he broke down the houses belonging to homosexuals. 2 Kings 23:7 And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.

G.Paul declares that a homosexual cannot inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.

H.Those who engage in homosexual practices defile themselves.1 Timothy 1:9-10 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.

I.The reigning sin in Sodom and Gomorrah was homosexuality. Genesis 19:5-7 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

J.It is abundantly clear from Scripture that homosexuality is an abomination before God.

1.The homosexual act is declared to be an abomination. Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

2.Those who committed this abominable act were to be put to death under the Law of Moses.Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

3.In still another place in the word of God it is declared that homosexuality is an abomination and makes it clear that this abomination came from paganism; in no way can it be charged against God. 1 Kings 14:24 And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

4.In 1890 Charles Jenkins published a book called Baptist Doctrines in which he quoted G. D. B. Pepper who stated, “Whatever is condemned by truth is condemned by the God of truth.”

5.You cannot separate the God of truth from the written word of truth—the Bible. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

6.The word of God comes from the mouth of God and God cannot lie. Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

7.When the Bible declares that homosexuality is an abomination before God you can be assured that God considers homosexuality an abomination.

8.Since God’s word is forever settled in heaven, we must assume that homosexuality is as much an abomination before God as it was when the Old and New Testaments were written.Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

II.CHARACTERISTICS OF HOMOSEXUALS

A.The extreme arrogance of homosexuals and sinful determination to have their own way is clearly revealed in the nineteenth chapter of Genesis.Genesis 19:4-13 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. 8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. 9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. 10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. 11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. 12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: 13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

1.Again in this passage we see the extreme arrogance and sinful persistence and doggedness of the homosexual crowd.

2.Ezekiel shows that the homosexuals are guilty of a multitude of sins in their conduct.Ezekiel 16:49-50 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

3.A Christian Network says of homosexuals “They paint themselves as peaceful, innocent, and gay. Yet a Washington newspaper reported that 80 percent of gays that were court-martialed by the U. S. Army for sexual misconduct the past four years had engaged in assaults against their victims. Nearly half involved child molestation. And, “The top six U. S. male killers were all homosexuals,” including John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer. Yet, a homosexual couple are pastors at a United Church of Christ in Seattle (11/94 BB). The Boston Police Department actively recruits gays and lesbians for academy classes (8/23/93 HT). Over 15 of the U. S.’s most powerful and prestigious news organizations, from National Public Radio to the Washington Post, recruited openly homosexual journalists at a Gay job fair (9/27/93 Chr. News). Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders (before being fired RWC) endorsed the adoption of children by homosexuals, and blasts the Boy Scouts for banning practicing homosexuals (4/4 CN).”

4.Of the wickedness and arrogance of these men of Sodom, John Wesley declared them to be“impudent daring sinners.”

5.In his commentary on Genesis Adam Clark said of these sinners in Sodom, “but the people of Sodom were exceedingly sinful and wicked before, or against, the Lord — they were sinners of no common character; they excelled in unrighteousness, and soon filled up the measure of their iniquities.”

6.Matthew Henry said of the homosexuals of Sodom, “Though all are sinners, yet some are greater sinners than others. The men of Sodom were sinners of the first magnitude, sinners before the Lord, that is, impudent daring sinners; they were so to a proverb.”

B.Consider the arrogance of the Sodomites as suggested by Isaiah.Isaiah 3:9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

C.Homosexuals have rejected God and his word.Romans 1:21-23 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

D.Because of their rejection of God and his word they have been given over to their vile affections.Romans 1:24-27 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

E.Homosexuals are proud and arrogant and have an “in your face” attitude. John Calvin said, Here, in a single crime, Moses sets before our eyes a lively picture of Sodom. For it is hence obvious, how diabolical was their consent in all wickedness, since they all so readily conspired to perpetrate the most abominable crime. The greatness of their iniquity and wantonness, is apparent from the fact, that, in a collected troop, they approach, as enemies, to lay siege to the house of Lot. How blind and impetuous is their lust; since, without shame, they rush together like brute animals! how great their ferocity and cruelty; since they reproachfully threaten the holy man, and proceed to all extremities! Hence also we infer, that they were not contaminated with one vice only, but were given up to all audacity in crime, so that no sense of shame was left them.

F.Homosexuals willfully commit sin that is an abomination in God’s sight.Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

G.Homosexuals willfully commit sin that is against the law of God and against the law of nature and against the law of decency.Romans 1:26-27 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

H.Homosexuals were often guilty of not respecting the normal customs that were observed by those showing hospitality.Judges 19:17-23 And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou? 18 And he said unto him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me to house. 19 Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing. 20 And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street. 21 So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink. 22 Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him. 23 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.

I.As evidence of the lawlessness of many homosexuals it may surprise you to know that the leading serial killers in the United States were all homosexuals as revealed in an Associated Press Article and additions by The New York Times.

HOMOSEXUALS BIGGEST KILLERS. The five leading serial killers in the United States are homosexuals, according to Associated Press. The killers and their body counts: Donald Harvey, 37; John Wayne Gacy, 33; Patrick Wayne Kearney, 32; Dean Corll, Elmer Wayne Henley and David Owen Brooks, 27 and Juan Corona, 25.

The New York Times adds to the list: Bruce Davis, 28 and Stephen Kraft, 16. Homosexuals are less than 3 percent of the population but have perpetrated 68 percent of all serial killings in the past 20 years.

Vernon J. Geberth, Former Commander, Bronx Homicide, NYPD, wrote, “The author's research yielded a listing of 37 known and documented homosexual serial killers, which represent 30 cases of homosexual serial murder. These 37 offenders were charged with the deaths of approximately 280 male victims and were actually suspected of murdering approximately 755 victims.”

Let me add the name of Jeffrey Dahmer who was implicated in at least 17 murders.

J.As a rule, homosexuals are haughty, proud and arrogant or they would not be so against God’s word.Ezekiel 16:49-50 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

III.THE JUDGMENT THAT AWAITS HOMOSEXUALS

A.In Sodom and Gomorrah they were killed when God rained fire and brimstone upon them from heaven.2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.

B.God says that what he did to the homosexuals in Sodom and Gomorrah was what he saw to be good. Ezekiel 16:49-50 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

C.We have already seen that they will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.

D.They will suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

E.God has given many of them over to a reprobate mind.Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

1.A practicing atheist is no more lost and doomed than a practicing homosexual.

2.A person who rejects God and goes about to satisfy his vile, abnormal affections would have to experience the new birth and its consequent graces of faith and repentance before he could ever be saved.

F.Most homosexuals are headed for a short life and an early death—there are not many old homosexuals around. Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

G.The homosexuals of Sodom and Gomorrah have stood as testament to God’s hatred of the sin of homosexuality and his judgment upon those guilty of that sin down through the ages.2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly. Jude 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

1.God used Sodom as a warning to the Israelites.Deuteronomy 29:23-24 And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: 24 Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Lamentations 4:6 For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.Amos 4:11 I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

2.God used it as a warning to Babylon.Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

3.God used Sodom as a warning to Edom.Jeremiah 49:17-18 Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof. 18 As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it.

4.God used Sodom as a warning to the Chaldeans and Babylon.Jeremiah 50:35-40 A sword is upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise men. 36 A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed. 37 A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed. 38 A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols. 39 Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation. 40 As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

5.God used Sodom as a warning to the Moabites.Zephaniah 2:9 Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

6.Jesus used Sodom and Gomorrah as a memorial to God’s judgment upon those who would not received those whom he sent forth to preach the gospel.Matthew 10:14-15 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

7.Jesus used these cities and their sudden destruction as a warning to those who may be still living in unbelief when he will come again.Luke 17:29-30 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

8.Isaiah and Paul declared that Israel would have been as Sodom and Gomorrah if God had not graciously preserved a remnant of that people.Romans 9:29And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

IV.EXPRESSIONS INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT CHARACTERIZE HOMOSEXUALITY

A.It is unseemly or inappropriate. Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

B.It is the exercise of vile affection. Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.

C.Homosexual sin is an extremely vile act. Judges 19:22-24 Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him. 23 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly. 24 Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.

D.It is against nature or unnatural. Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.

E.It is the result of burning lust. Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

F.It is uncleanness. Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.

G.It is dishonoring to their bodies.Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.

H.It is effeminate and self-abusive. 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.

I.They are dogs. Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

J.They are defiled. 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.

K.Their sin is very grievous.Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous.

L.They are wicked to the extreme.Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

M.Their sin is abominable. Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

N.They commit folly. Judges 19:23 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.

O.It is going after strange flesh. Jude 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

1.Commenting on this verse John Gill said. “or "other flesh"; meaning not other women besides their own wives, but men; and designs that detestable and unnatural sin, which, from these people, is called sodomy to this day; and which is an exceeding great sin, contrary to the light of nature and law of God, dishonourable to human nature, and scandalous to a nation and people, and commonly prevails where idolatry and infidelity do, as among the Papists and Mahometans; and arose from idleness and fulness of bread in Sodom, and was committed in the sight of God, with great impudence.”

2.Matthew Henry made this comment on this verse. “They were guilty of abominable wickedness, not to be named or thought of but with the utmost abhorrence and detestation.”

P.Homosexuals are ungodly.2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.

CONCLUSION: In the light of Scripture, there is no way we can condone or minimize the sin of sodomy. All sin is against God and all sin is wicked, but there is something about homosexuality that makes it especially hateful and abominable in the sight of God. As Matthew Henry said, It is “not to be named or thought of but with the utmost abhorrence and detestation.”If our nation is not already paying for her tolerance of and catering to the demands of these aberrant, perverted people who have turned to their vile affections, it will pay dearly. I believe this nation is already under a plague of aids because of this perverted behaviour and the coddling those guilty of it are receiving. But, if Jesus does not return soon and if the leadership of the cities, counties, and states keep slouching toward Sodom, judgment may surely be swift when it does come and it will be fatal.

Let me close by affirming again that I believe God is right in his hatred of homosexuality and of homosexuals. They are abominable, arrogant workers of iniquity for sure and God hates them as a group for certain. Psalm 5:5 . . . thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

I am not saying that there may be some of them that are chosen to salvation but the purpose of that election is that they might be holy, not abominable, so they will leave off their sin and turn to righteousness. Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Elder Wayne Camp is Pastor of the Pilgrim's Hope Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He has graciously allowed us to publish his sermon on this serious and timely subject. You may access the web site of the Pilgrim's Hope Baptist Church at: http://www.cris.com/~Rwcamp/